Choosing a College in New York City: What Students Should Know

1. Explore the Five Boroughs of New York City.

When you first arrive, the city can feel enormous. It’s natural to shrink your world down to what feels manageable—your residence hall, a favorite study spot, a nearby café, and a few familiar subway stops. That sense of comfort is important, especially in the beginning.

But there is truly so much to experience outside of your comfort zone. 

St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus, for example, is located in one of the most diverse boroughs in the world. From there, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island are all within reach, each offering its own rhythm, culture, and sense of community. One borough might feel creative and fast-moving, another residential and reflective. Exploring them allows you to see the city not as one overwhelming place, but as a collection of distinct experiences.

As you gradually explore the city, it starts to feel less overwhelming and more like a place you understand. Those experiences add perspective, expand your comfort zone, and make your college years more memorable.

2. Take Advantage of Free and Discounted Student Experiences. 

New York City has a reputation for being expensive, and that concern is real for many students before they arrive. It’s easy to assume that fully experiencing the city requires a large budget, but living here teaches you something different.

Across the five boroughs, you’ll find museums with student pricing, free community festivals, neighborhood street fairs, campus events, public parks, and cultural programming happening year-round. 

As you gradually explore, even in small ways, you begin to feel more connected to the city. You learn which neighborhoods feel like your own and which spaces help you recharge, and how to make thoughtful choices. 

Related Blog: Fun and Affordable Things to Do in NYC for College Students 

3. Culture Shock is Common–and Temporary.

The noise, the crowds, the constant movement, the feeling that everything is happening all at once: even students who have visited before are often surprised by what it feels like to actually live and study here.

You might feel small in such a large city. You might miss the familiarity of home or wonder how long it will take before things feel steady. For out-of-state or international students especially, the pace and cultural diversity of New York can be both exciting and overwhelming.

Starting college is already a major transition. Doing so in one of the most dynamic cities in the world can amplify that adjustment.

Over time, what once felt intense begins to feel navigable. The subway map starts to make sense. The busy streets feel energizing instead of chaotic. The city that once felt intimidating begins to feel like yours.

4. There's Plenty of Professional Opportunities. 

One of the biggest advantages of attending college in New York City is access to professional experiences during the academic year, not just in the summer.

Internships, part-time roles, volunteer opportunities, and networking events are often within commuting distance. Engaging with these experiences early can help you connect what you’re learning in class to real-world applications, explore potential career paths, and build confidence before graduation.

5. Get Comfortable Navigating Public Transportation.  

In New York City, public transportation becomes part of daily life very quickly.

Learning how to read subway maps, allow extra time for travel, and adapt when plans shift is a practical skill you’ll develop along the way. If you’re used to relying on a car, the transition may take a little time, but most students find that navigating the subway and bus system becomes second nature sooner than expected.

6. Independence will Develop Naturally. 

Living and studying in a city environment encourages independence through everyday decision-making.

From managing your schedule to navigating new environments and advocating for yourself, growth happens gradually. You don’t need to have everything figured out immediately. Each new experience builds confidence over time.

Related blog:How to Handle Real-Life Responsibilities in College

7. Find Your Balance. 

New York City offers constant stimulation, which can be inspiring but also draining. Knowing when to slow down, unplug, and reset is part of thriving here.

Building routines, finding quiet spaces, and giving yourself permission to prioritize your mental health helps you stay grounded in a fast-paced environment. Balance is just as important as ambition.

8. You’ll Leave with Skills That Last.

Navigating college in New York City builds resilience, adaptability, and confidence. You learn how to move through unfamiliar spaces, manage challenges, and take advantage of opportunities—skills that stay with you long after graduation.

College in NYC isn’t always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. If you can thrive here, you’ll carry that confidence wherever you go next.

For Students Considering St. John’s University 

While New York City becomes an extension of your college experience, your campus community is where your day-to-day life takes shape.

At St. John’s University, students have opportunities to build connections through more than academics alone. From student organizations and leadership roles to service initiatives, campus events, and mentoring programs, there are many ways to get involved and develop a sense of belonging early in your college career.

The Queens campus offers a balance that many students appreciate. You can experience the energy and opportunity of New York City while still having access to a traditional campus environment with dedicated study spaces, residence halls, green areas, and support services. That combination allows students to explore the city while also having a consistent place to return, recharge, and stay focused on their goals.

Over time, the relationships you build with classmates, faculty, and campus partners often become one of the most meaningful parts of the college experience.